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Dayton Plan Board recommends six‑month moratorium on data centers, tables car wash and gas station code amendments
Summary
On March 10, 2026, Dayton's Plan Board recommended a six‑month moratorium on data centers while staff refines regulations and tabled proposed changes to car wash and gas station text amendments pending further work; one member of the public opposed data centers.
The City of Dayton Plan Board voted March 10 to recommend that the City Commission establish a six‑month moratorium on the establishment of data centers in the city while staff and the board work to define appropriate regulations.
Planning staff told the board that a last‑minute legal question about how a prohibition might affect Dayton’s airport prompted treating data centers as a work session topic rather than a final text amendment that night. Jeff Green, planning staff, said the proposed zoning text would define campus, minor and major data centers and that staff proposed adding major data centers to Section 150.417 – Prohibited Uses. Green also told the board that data centers require large amounts of power and water and that municipalities across the country have seen complaints ranging from noise to higher utility bills associated with some facilities.
On the related gas station and car wash amendments, staff outlined proposed spacing rules and use changes. For fueling stations the amendment changes two thresholds: the amendment increases the count to two fueling stations within a 1,500‑foot radius (up from one) and shortens the minimum required distance from a residential district from 250 feet to 150 feet. The proposed car wash changes would add spacing requirements when located near residential developments, require separation from other car washes, and remove car washes as an accessory use in the UBD zoning district.
During the public hearing one resident, Jessica Jackson, spoke in opposition to data centers, saying she did not see a benefit to residents. Board members discussed refining definitions and the potential future of data center technology; Ms. Geraldine Pegues also voiced concern about what would happen to purpose‑built data center buildings if operators later vacated them.
Member Ann Schenking moved and Member Geraldine Pegues seconded a motion recommending a six‑month moratorium on data centers; the motion carried. Schenking then moved to table the car wash and gas station text amendments; Pegues seconded and that motion also carried. The minutes record all members present voting in favor; Mr. William Allen was noted as absent for the votes.
Staff will take the moratorium recommendation to City Commission in April for consideration.
